If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you likely have experienced some minor irritation or pain with your braces. Despite their many benefits, it can be uncomfortable while you’re acclimating to your new braces. While the discomfort will lessen over time as you grow accustomed to your braces, there are some popular techniques for short-term braces pain relief.

The Best Techniques for Braces Pain Relief

No matter what type of braces you wear, it’s possible that you will need some help relieving minor pains as you get used to them. These solutions can help you treat the pain or manage it until you can speak with your orthodontist for help.

Use an Ice Pack

A classic solution to pain of all sorts, an ice pack is just as effective for relieving pain from braces. Inflammation is often the root of discomfort for pains in your mouth, so cold pressure can significantly reduce it.

All you need to do is apply an ice pack to the most painful area of your mouth and hold it there. While it may not stop the pain completely, it will make it far more bearable.

Not interested in holding up an ice pack? Try using cold treats! Sugar-free popsicles or other cold treats can help dull the pain while you eat them. Just remember, sugar-free is key! Resting sugary foods on your teeth can quickly lead to tooth decay.

Salt Water Rinses

Another easy, home-made remedy for inflammation is using a salt water rinse. This simple rinse requires nothing more than a glass of warm water with a few pinches of salt. Swish the water around and make sure not to swallow it!

The act of swishing the rinse, along with the salt, can fight inflammation, pressure and reduce any pain you may be experiencing. Salt water rinses are also a popular way to deal with mouth sores caused by braces.

Orthodontic Wax

It’s common for physical contact of your braces against the inside of your lips to also cause irritation or pain. The best way to prevent this is using orthodontic wax. Also known as dental wax, you can apply this soft wax to the metal brackets of your braces to prevent painful abrasions. The soft surface of the wax acts as a barrier between your mouth and the metal.

Orthodontic wax is easy to use. Roll a small amount between your fingers to soften it, then place it on your braces where you’re feeling pain. Over time, the wax will flake, requiring you to replace it. We recommend that you keep plenty of dental wax with you, especially when you travel!

Cold Water & Ice Cubes

Ice packs aren’t the only way you can cool a burning pain in your mouth. You can slowly sip cold water to soothe your gums. The cold temperature of the water helps numb the sensation of pain and can also reduce inflammation.

If you’re not too thirsty, you can opt to suck on an ice cube as well. Remember not to chew on it – tough ice cubes can damage your teeth from the force needed to chew through them.

Oral Anesthetic & Pain Relievers

In severe cases, you may need more serious braces pain relief. There are two types of commonly-used pain relievers to help:

Over-the-counter Pain Relievers – Anti-inflammation medicines like ibuprofen or similar pain relievers can help you manage the pain in the short-term. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t overuse these medicines, and if your pain is chronic, you’ll need to speak with your orthodontist to explore long-term solutions.

Oral Anesthetics – There are some gels that can be applied directly to your teeth or gums with the use of a cotton swab or even just your finger. These anesthetics are designed to help desensitize or numb areas of your mouth, relieving the pain you’re experiencing. Some of these can be found over-the-counter, but if you have questions, we can help you find a safe anesthetic to use!

Gum Massage

It may sound unusual, but a gum massage is a great way to relieve some pain especially after a tightening! It’s a very simple thing to do, and it can start making you feel better instantly.

Simply take your fingers and gently rub your gums in a circular motion. It’s best to try with just your index finger, or both of them if you have pain across your whole gums. Continue rubbing them for a short time and see if the pain goes away. If not, you may need to consider something more significant like an anti-inflammation medicine.

Can You Avoid Pain from Braces?

Of course! While some minor pains from adjusting to braces are common, braces generally aren’t a “painful” experience. They can be uncomfortable to get used to – but actual pain might be indicating something is wrong if it’s consistent or severe.

One of the most likely causes behind pain you may associate with your braces could be simply from needing to improve your oral care routine. Brushing your gums and teeth twice a day and flossing go a long way to creating a healthy environment for your teeth and gums. The fewer irritants in your mouth, like bacteria or stray bits of food, the more likely you are to notice braces pain relief.

On top of that, you can consider taking some extra steps like brushing your tongue too. Bacteria will grow there, and in some cases it can even cause severe bad breath. Eliminating all the bacteria in your mouth is impossible, but by being proactive about brushing and flossing, you can bring the number down and reduce their impact on your health.

Avoid These Common Causes of Pain from Braces

Irritating Foods

Pain caused by your braces can easily be exacerbated by eating certain foods that will irritate sores or sensitive gums:

• Acidic foods
• Acidic drinks
• Abrasive food

Avoid citrus, sodas and other foods that are high in acid. Any contact between the acid and your sore mouth will hurt. The same goes for abrasive foods like hard cereal, toast or other crunchy options. If your teeth or gums are already in pain, they’ll be more susceptible to irritants, even if these foods typically don’t cause any discomfort.

Touching Your Braces

You may be tempted to try and wiggle your braces or otherwise touch them when they’re causing you pain. Resist that urge! Any potential damage to your braces could stall your orthodontic treatment or cause you even more pain.

If you think there’s an issue with your braces, reach out to your orthodontist. They can adjust them as necessary or help you treat the discomfort.

Brushing Too Hard

Intense brushing may seem like a good idea to clean more bacteria from your teeth and gums, but it’s more likely to damage them than help. When you brush your teeth, be careful not to use so much force that it hurts. Not only can it weaken your gums and increase your sensitivity to pain, it can lead you to damaging the enamel on your teeth!

Softer bristle brushes with a firm, but not forceful brushing motion is more than enough to clean your teeth without pain. If you’re experiencing early signs of gum disease, your gums may hurt and bleed even from gentle brushing. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re brushing too hard – but it does mean you should try to be more consistent with your dental care!

Other Common Risk Factors

Anything that impacts the overall health of your teeth and gums is likely to increase your chances of irritation or pain from braces. Certain conditions can potentially make your mouth vulnerable to sores or inflammation:

Dry Mouth – Chronic dry mouth has severe implications for your oral health, and among other effects, it will make your gums sensitive to irritation.

Teeth Grinding – Stress and teeth grinding go hand-in-hand. Bruxism isn’t something to ignore, so it’s important to speak with your dental care provider to find treatment options.

What Should I Do If I Can’t Solve the Pain from my Braces?

Persistent pain after getting braces on could be a sign you need to visit your orthodontist. If you’ve tried some home remedies above, but the pain is still interfering with your life, you’ll want to contact your orthodontist office and let them know what’s going on. Depending on how long it’s been since your appointment, they may give you suggestions on what to do in the interim, or they may have you come in as soon as possible.

It’s unlikely that pain from braces would cause any lasting effects – anything causing that much pain would’ve affected you long before you left the office from your previous adjustment! That said, every patient’s experience with their braces is different, and it’s our goal to make sure you don’t experience any discomfort you can avoid!

Schedule a Free Consultation

Concerned about your orthodontic treatment or need braces pain relief? Talk to Dr. Andy by scheduling a free consultation! Contact us online or call 440-842-8015.

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